Meaning

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em

The meaning of the phrase

Literal meaning

Woe is me
Woe is me

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em’?

From Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, 1602:

Malvalio:
In my stars I am above thee; but be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.

Historical trend

“born great” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • born great

Cited as a source

Referenced by 1 trusted source for this phrase

Backlink data verified June 2026 via Ahrefs (live index). These sources cite Phrase Finder as a reference for the meaning and origin of this expression.